Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear. Combine with 1 1/4 cups water, simmer until tender, rest, then fluff.
Toss the pork with fish sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and half the garlic. Let stand 10 minutes.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear pork in two batches until browned, then transfer to a plate.
Lower heat to medium. Stir sugar with 2 tbsp of the caramel water in the skillet. Cook without stirring until deep amber.
Add shallots and the remaining garlic. Stir 30 seconds, then carefully splash in the remaining caramel water to loosen.
Return pork and any juices. Add rice vinegar and red pepper flakes. Cook, tossing, until glossy and thickened, 2–3 minutes.
Fold in half the scallions. Spoon pork over hot rice and finish with remaining scallions.
Notes
Variation: Swap pork shoulder for boneless skinless chicken thighs. Add steamed broccoli or bok choy for extra veg. Leftovers keep up to 3 days chilled; reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Caramelized Pork Rice Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.